POINCIANA | Almost 10 years to the day St. Rose of Lima Parish broke ground on their new church, Bishop John Noonan presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for a new parish center on the Kissimmee campus.

The new building will allow for social gatherings to be held, and the parish will be able to expand its ministry to serve those in need in the Poinciana area with food and items. More than 500 people can fit in the 8,300-square-foot building to be equipped with a full commercial kitchen.

In his bilingual homily during the Aug. 16, 2026, Mass, Bishop Noonan recalled the long journey of finding the current property and ongoing construction processes that have spanned his tenure as bishop of Orlando. “The struggle was where to build, because we decided that (the first location) was not the best, and it took a few years to… come to this place where we are now.”

He commended the community’s resolve and generosity. “You good people of Rose of Lima, wanted this church so much that you sacrificed to give for this building.” They broke ground on the church Aug. 13, 2016.

Bishop Noonan sees a clear parallel between the parishioners of St. Rose of Lima and the Canaanite woman from Matthew 15, the weekend’s Gospel reading. “She persists, just like you, the people of Rose of Lima, persisted that you wanted to have the church here. You too have been strong in your belief that you wanted this community of St. Rose of Lima,” Bishop Noonan said. “You have built this church, and now you want to have a place where you can share and build up the faith community, through the faith of our young people, by sharing (and) teaching them who Jesus Christ is.”

After Mass, he blessed the land where the parish center will be built alongside St. Rose of Lima clergy and benefactors, and key partners from the construction team.

With the project set to begin in earnest next week, Bishop Noonan joked his eyes are set on the next project. Once the parish center is built, St. Rose of Lima plans to expand the church to accommodate the growing community.

“You have put your roots into this soil,” said Bishop Noonan. “You have allowed yourself to grow in your love, your faith for God… your home is here forever.”

By Lucas Blackwell of the Florida Catholic staff, August 19, 2026